Portable oxygen system

ABSTRACT

A container for storing oxygen under pressure is disclosed that includes a chamber adapted to be worn around a user&#39;s waist and adapted for supplying oxygen to the user; the chamber defining a volume to contain oxygen under pressure; wherein the chamber is defined by a central portion extending between opposite side portions; wherein each of the opposite side portions has a height greater than a maximum height of the central portion that further defines a void between the side portions and above the central portion; and wherein the chamber is further defined by an exterior surface of the chamber adjacent the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/205,516, filed on Mar. 12, 2014, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/788,755, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Supplement oxygen is often prescribed for patients with respiratoryproblems or other medical conditions. Many of the medical conditionsthat necessitate the use of supplemental oxygen are chronic conditionscausing the patient to become a user of supplement oxygen for anextended period of time, and often for the remainder of the patient'slife.

For home use, stationary base systems are often provided that arecapable of supplying large amounts of oxygen over extended periods oftime. These base systems may operate to condense oxygen from theatmosphere or may be refilled periodically with deliveries of liquidoxygen. While the home systems are capable of providing large quantitiesof oxygen over extended periods of time, these home systems are notportable and the user's range of motion is typically limited to thelength of the lumen used to delivery oxygen from the base system to theuser.

When a supplement oxygen user desires to venture away from their basesystem, the user may utilize a portable oxygen delivery system. Someportable oxygen delivery systems have been configured to be worn, suchas in a backpack, fanny back or other configuration in order to allowthe user greater mobility and freedom of movement. Examples of wearableportable oxygen delivery systems may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,651,659 and 6,513,523. A consistent drawback of existing wearableportable oxygen systems has been the limited oxygen storage capacity andthe corresponding limited duration for which these systems may be used,particularly when a user's medical condition warrants a constant flow ofgaseous oxygen. Faced with the possibility of their portable oxygensupply running out, many users reduce the flow rate of theirsupplemental oxygen or switch from a constant flow to a pulsed flow inorder to conserve the limited supply of oxygen in their portable system.By reducing the rate of consumption, the user is able to extend theduration of use of the portable system but must sacrifice some of themedical benefit.

For users who require a constant flow of oxygen or a longer duration ofuse, supplemental oxygen users have been forced to forego the wearableportable systems and rely upon a high capacity portable oxygen systems.High capacity portable system often include a larger tank for storingthe required volume of oxygen. Due to the size and weight, many highcapacity portable systems are configured such that the tank may bepulled on a cart. Alternatively, those users with sufficient strengthmay carry the tank. Although these high capacity systems are portable inthat the tank may be moved between locations, the need to pull or carrythe tank imposes a significant burden on the supplement oxygen user. Therestricted movement and cumbersome nature of the high capacity systemsoften prevents users of such systems from participating in physicalactivities that they are otherwise capable of performing. Even if theuser is capable of carrying the high capacity oxygen system, theconfiguration of such systems often interfere with the users range ofmotion and mobility by distorting the users center of balance.Beneficial physical activities, such as golf, thus become very difficultfor users of supplement oxygen.

In view of the limitations of existing designs, there remains a need forportable oxygen delivery systems that provide an ergonomic means forstoring oxygen in a wearable configuration without substantiallyinhibiting the user's movement, and that provide high storage capacityto accommodate both an oxygen delivery rate and a duration of use thatenable the supplement oxygen user to participate in their desiredphysical and recreational activities.

Provided is a container for storing oxygen under pressure. In oneembodiment, the chamber is configured to be worn around a user's waistfor supplying oxygen to the user, the chamber defining a volume sized tocontain at least one liquid liter of oxygen under pressure, wherein thechamber is defined by a central portion extending between opposite sideportions, and the side portions are configured to wrap at leastpartially around the user's waist such that an exterior surface of thechamber adjacent the user is substantially concave, and wherein each ofthe opposite side portions has a height greater than a maximum height ofthe central portion that further defines a void between the sideportions and above the central portion. In another embodiment, the voidis sized to receive an oxygen delivery system. In another embodiment,the volume is sized to contain at least 750 liters gaseous equivalentcapacity. In another embodiment, the chamber has a rigid exterior. Inanother embodiment, each of the opposite side portions has an interiorside portion volume, and the central portion has an interior centralportion volume, and the interior side portion volume is equal to orgreater than the interior central portion volume. In another embodiment,the volume of the chamber is continuous without dividers or partitionswithin the volume. In another embodiment, the chamber has a lateralcross-section that is generally kidney shaped to conform to a user'storso. In some embodiments, the chamber defining a volume is sized tocontain at least 1.5 liquid liters of oxygen under pressure. In someembodiments, the chamber defining a volume is sized to contain at least0.75 liquid liters of oxygen under pressure.

Also disclosed is a portable oxygen delivery system that includes achamber configured to be worn around a user's waist, the chamberdefining a volume sized to contain at least one liquid liter of oxygenunder pressure, wherein the chamber is defined by a central portionextending between opposite side portions, and the side portions areconfigured to wrap at least partially around the user's waist to form afirst curvature of the chamber, and wherein each of the opposite sideportions has a height greater than a maximum height of the centralportion that further defines a void between the side portions and abovethe central portion, an oxygen delivery system disposed in the voidbetween the opposite side portions of the chamber, the oxygen deliverysystem including: an oxygen supply line coil connected to an output portof the chamber, a flow control valve configured to regulate the flow ofgaseous oxygen to the user, and a lumen connector configured to receivea lumen for delivering the flow of gaseous oxygen to the user. Inanother embodiment, the system is configured to provide a constant flowdemand of at least 2 gaseous liters per minute for a duration of atleast 6 hours. In another embodiment, the volume is sized to contain atleast 750 liters gaseous equivalent capacity. In another embodiment, thesystem includes a carrying case containing the chamber and oxygendelivery system, the carrying case configured to be secured around auser's waist. In another embodiment, the flow control valve is anelectronically controlled flow control valve, and wherein the portableoxygen system further comprises a remote control configured tocommunicate wirelessly with the electronically controlled flow controlvalve to adjust the flow of gaseous oxygen to the user.

Also disclosed is a portable oxygen delivery system that includes meansfor ergonomically storing at least 750 liters gaseous equivalentcapacity of oxygen under pressure in a configuration that is wearable bya user about the user's waist without substantially inhibiting theuser's movement, and an oxygen delivery system for delivering gaseousoxygen to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which particularembodiments of the invention are illustrated as described in more detailin the description below, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable oxygen system in a carryingcase.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable oxygen system not in acarrying case.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a container for storing oxygen for use in aportable oxygen system.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a left side view of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a refill adapter for use with aportable oxygen system.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a second embodiment of a portable oxygensystem.

FIG. 12 is a section view of the second embodiment of a portable oxygensystem.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the second embodiment of a portable oxygensystem.

FIG. 14 is a section view of the second embodiment of a portable oxygensystem.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of a portable oxygensystem.

FIG. 16 is another front view of the second embodiment of a portableoxygen system.

FIG. 17 is a section view of the second embodiment of a portable oxygensystem.

FIG. 18 is another section view of the second embodiment of a portableoxygen system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-18, shown are embodiments of a portableoxygen delivery system that provides an ergonomic means for storingoxygen under pressure in a configuration that is wearable by a userabout the user's waist without substantially inhibiting the user'smovement. The presently disclosed system and components enable oxygenusers, and particularly continuous flow oxygen users, increased mobilityand significant lifestyle improvements over the conventional systemspresently available. These improvements may further improve oxygenusers' adherence to recommended oxygen delivery rates by facilitatingthe use of portable oxygen without the adverse lifestyle consequences ofprior systems.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a portable oxygen system 100is illustrated. The portable oxygen system 100 includes a case 102configured to house a chamber 120 and oxygen delivery components. Alumen (not shown) extends from the oxygen delivery components and out ofthe case to supply the user with oxygen. The case 102 is configured tobe worn about the user's waist, and may be secured to the user with thebelt 104. In this manner, the portable oxygen system 100 is configuredto be worn by a user without substantially inhibiting the user's freedomof movement or range of motion.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the chamber 120 and oxygen delivery componentsare further illustrated removed from the case. The chamber 120 defines avolume for storing oxygen under pressure. In some embodiments, thevolume of the chamber 120 may be sized to contain 0.75 liquid liters ofoxygen under pressure, 1.0 liquid liters of oxygen under pressure, or1.5 liquid liters of oxygen under pressure. In certain embodiments itmay be possible to get acceptable functionality from a chamber 120having a volume as low as 0.5 L. The oxygen contained may be in a liquidor gaseous state or a mixture of liquid and gas depending upon thetemperature and operating conditions. In any event, the chamber 120 issized to provide a constant flow demand of at least two (2) gaseousliters per minute for a duration of at least five (5) hours. Inembodiments, the volume of the chamber is sized to provide at least 750liters gaseous equivalent capacity. The capability of providing constantflow demand over an extended time period, such as five (5) hours, hastypically required the use of oxygen system employing a cylindrical tankthat must be pulled on cart or carried by the user substantiallyinterfering with the user's mobility and range of motion. The chamber120 presently disclosed however is configured to be worn withoutinhibiting movement while also providing a sufficient supply of oxygento satisfy a constant flow demand avoiding the common tradeoff betweenadequate oxygen supply and lifestyle impact made by many users whorequire portable oxygen. The chamber 120 is configured to provide theneeded volume as a larger area extending across, or along an areasubstantially coincident with, the user's back and extending slightlyfrom the user's back so as to reduce or minimize the distance of thecenter of gravity from the user's back. This reduction or minimizationof the distance of the center of gravity from the user's back is helpfulin minimizing or reducing the impact on a user's balance and mobilityand thereby preventing inhibition of movement or other lifestyle impact.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, the oxygen delivery components may beprovided in a void 134 defined between opposite side portions 124, 126of the chamber 120. In some embodiments, the oxygen delivery componentsmay include an oxygen supply line coil 112 connected to an output port113 of the chamber 120. The oxygen supply line coil 112 communicatesoxygen from the chamber to a flow control valve 114 that regulates theflow of oxygen to the user. The oxygen may then flow to a lumenconnector 116 to which a lumen may be attached to deliver the oxygen tothe user. To improve the ergonomics of the portable oxygen deliverysystem, the oxygen delivery components are positioned near the center ofmass of the chamber 120 so as to minimize the impact on a user's balanceand mobility.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-9, the chamber 120 of the portable oxygendelivery system is further described. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate front andback views of the chamber 120. To accommodate the increased volumerelative to prior oxygen systems, in this non-limiting embodiment, thechamber 120 is generally U-shaped with a central portion 122 andopposite side portions 124, 126, all in fluid communication with eachother. The U-shaped construction allows the chamber to utilize bothhorizontal and vertical dimensions to increase capacity whilemaintaining an ergonomic configuration that is wearable by a user. Insome embodiments, the depth of the chamber 120, that is, how far itextends outward from the body of the user. correlates to imbalance andinterference with ergonomics, such that it may be desirable to reduce orminimize extension in the depth dimension. In some embodiments, in whichit may be desirable to reduce or minimize extension in the depthdimension, the desired volume may be attained by increasing theextension of the chamber 120 in one or more of the horizontal andvertical dimensions, those dimensions perpendicular to the depthdimension. In some embodiments, the horizontal and vertical dimensionssubstantially correspond to an area substantially coincident with theusers back.

In one embodiment, the chamber 120 has a continuous hollow interiorwithout partitions or dividers between the respective portions therebymaximizing the available capacity for storing oxygen. In manyembodiments the chamber 120 has a continuous exterior that is continuousacross the boundaries 128, 130 between the central portion 122 and theside portions 124, 128. The chamber 120 may further have a substantiallyplanar bottom 136. The bottom 136 of the chamber may be planar only inthe region beneath the central portion 122 with the bottom of thechamber curving upwards in transition to the side portions. The contourof the bottom portion may be configured to facilitate a user bending andtwisting about the waist, such as may occur during physical activitiessuch as golf.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the side portions 124, 126 has aheight (as measured in the vertical direction as the chamber isconfigured to be worn by a user). The maximum height of the sideportions is greater than the maximum height of the central portion. Thisdifference in height defines the generally U-shaped construction of thechamber 120, and also defines a void 134 between the side portions andabove the central portion, such as illustrated in FIG. 3. Theconfiguration of the chamber 120 creates a void 134 sized to receivecomponents of an oxygen delivery system, such as the coil 112, flowregulator 114, and lumen connector 116 previously discussed. In someembodiments, the oxygen delivery components may be secured to thesurface 132 in such a manner to maintain the center of mass of thesystem near the geometric center thereby allowing the portable oxygensystem to be worn without substantially disrupting a user's balance. Insome embodiments, the oxygen delivery components may be secured withinthe region defined by void 134 such that the oxygen delivery componentsare substantially shrouded by the chamber 120.

In order to further distribute the weight of the portable oxygen systemin an ergonomically desirable manner, the interior volume of the sideportions 124, 126 may be equal to or greater than the interior volume ofthe central portion 122. When the chamber 120 is filled with oxygenunder pressure, the mass of the stored oxygen adds to the weight of theportable oxygen delivery system. Prior systems have tended to utilize asingle tank or container or a collection of small, interconnectedcontainers in a close configuration. In contrast, the presentlydisclosed chamber distributes the oxygen between the central portion 122and the side portions 124, 126 so that the weight of the stored oxygenis distributed around a greater portion of the user's waist. Theinterior volume of the side portions 124, 126 may be increased relativeto the central portion 122 so that the weight of the oxygen is offsetfrom the weight of the oxygen delivery components positioned above thecenter portion 122. In this manner, the volume of the chamber 120 of theportable oxygen delivery system may be increased to supply at least 750liters gaseous equivalent capacity, while maintaining the wearableconfiguration that does not substantially inhibit a user's movement.

The chamber 120 may be further configured to distribute the weight ofthe oxygen about a user's waist. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, right andleft side views of the chamber 120 are illustrated. As shown, thechamber 120 has a user facing side 140 and an outward facing side 142.For clarity, the user facing side 140 is the side of the chamber thatfaces the user's torso when the user wears the portable oxygen systemillustrated in FIG. 1. The outward facing side 142 is opposite the userfacing side 140 and generally faces away from the user's torso.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, top and bottom views of the chamber 120are illustrated. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the user facingside 140 is substantially concave such that the user facing side 140accommodates the general curvature of a user's torso when worn in thecarrying case such as illustrated in FIG. 1. In embodiments in which theuser facing side 140 is substantially concave, in order to maintain thedesired weight distribution, the outward facing side 142 of the chamber120 may be substantially convex. Accordingly, in some embodiments, thechamber 120 may therefore be described as having a lateral cross-sectionthat is generally kidney shaped to accommodate a user's torso, where thelateral cross-section is a cross-section taken parallel to a user'swaist. A perspective view of the chamber 120 is illustrated in FIG. 9which further illustrates the configuration of the chamber previouslydescribed.

A second embodiment of the portable oxygen system 100′ is shown in FIG.1118. The portable oxygen system 100′ includes a case 102′ configured tohouse a chamber 120′ and oxygen delivery components 110′. A lumenextends from the oxygen delivery components 110′ and out of the case102′ to supply the user with oxygen. The case 102′ is configured to beworn about or proximate to the user's waist, and may be secured to theuser with a belt or similar device. As illustrated, in some embodimentsthe case 102′ may comprise a user facing surface side 140′ that issubstantially concave, such that the user facing surface side 140′accommodates the general curvature of a user's torso when worn. Theportable oxygen system 100′ is configured to be worn by a user withoutsubstantially inhibiting the user's freedom of movement or range ofmotion.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11-18, the chamber 120′ and oxygendelivery components 110′ are further illustrated in various orientationsand section views. The chamber 120′ defines a volume for storing oxygenunder pressure. In some embodiments, the volume may be sized to contain0.75 liquid liters of oxygen under pressure, 1.0 liquid liters of oxygenunder pressure, or 1.5 liquid liters of oxygen under pressure. Theoxygen contained may be in a liquid or gaseous state or a mixture ofliquid and gas depending upon the temperature and operating conditions.In any event, the chamber 120′ may be sized to provide a constant flowdemand of at least two (2) gaseous liters per minute for a duration ofat least five (5) hours. In some embodiments, the volume of the chamberis sized to provide at least 750 liters gaseous equivalent capacity. Thechamber 120′ presently disclosed is configured to be worn, withoutlimitation, in a case 102′, without substantially inhibiting movementwhile also providing a sufficient supply of oxygen to satisfy a constantflow demand avoiding the common tradeoff between adequate oxygen supplyand lifestyle impact made by many users who require portable oxygen.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11-18, the oxygen delivery components110′ may be provided in a void 134′ defined between opposite sideportions 124′, 126′ of the chamber 120′. In some embodiments, the oxygendelivery components 110′ may include an oxygen supply line coil 112′connected to an output port of the chamber. The oxygen supply line coil112′ communicates oxygen from the chamber 120′ to a flow control valve114′ that regulates the flow of oxygen to the user. The oxygen may thenflow to a lumen connector 116′ to which a lumen may be attached todeliver the oxygen to the user. To improve the ergonomics of theportable oxygen delivery system, the oxygen delivery components 110′ arepositioned near the center of mass of the chamber 120′ so as to reduceor minimize the impact on a user's balance and mobility.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11-18, the chamber 120′ of theportable oxygen system 100′ is further described. FIG. 11 shows the backof the chamber 120′. To accommodate the increased volume relative toprior oxygen systems, in this non-limiting embodiment, the chamber 120′is generally U-shaped with a central portion 122′ and opposite sideportions 124′, 126′, all in fluid communication with each other. TheU-shaped construction allows the chamber 120′ to utilize both horizontaland vertical dimensions to increase capacity while maintaining anergonomic configuration that is wearable by a user. In some embodiments,the depth of the chamber 120′, that is, how far it extends outward fromthe body of the user, correlates to imbalance and interference withergonomics, such that it may be desirable to reduce or minimizeextension in the depth dimension. In some embodiments, in which it maybe desirable to reduce or minimize extension in the depth dimension, thedesired volume may be attained by increasing the extension of thechamber 120′ in one or more of the horizontal and vertical dimensions,those dimensions perpendicular to the depth dimension. As noted above,in certain embodiments, the horizontal and vertical dimensions maysubstantially correspond to an area substantially coincident with theusers back. In one embodiment, the chamber 120′ has a continuous hollowinterior without partitions or dividers between the respective portionsthereby maximizing the available capacity for storing oxygen. In manyembodiments the chamber 120′ has a continuous exterior that iscontinuous across the boundaries 128′, 130′ between the central portion122′ and the side portions 124′, 128′. The chamber 120′ may further havea substantially planar bottom 136′. The bottom 136′ of the chamber maybe planar only in the region beneath the central portion 122′ with thebottom of the chamber curving upwards in transition to the sideportions. The contour of the bottom portion may be configured tofacilitate a user bending and twisting about the waist, such as mayoccur during physical activities such as golf.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11-18, each of the side portions 124′,126′ has a height (as measured in the vertical direction as the chamberis configured to be worn by a user). The maximum height of the sideportions is greater than the maximum height of the central portion 122′.This difference in height defines the generally U-shaped construction ofthe chamber 120′, and also defines a void 134′ between the side portions124′, 126′ and above the central portion 122′, such as illustrated inFIG. 11. The configuration of the chamber 120′ creates a void 134′ sizedto receive components of an oxygen delivery system 100′, such as thecoil 112′, flow control valve 114′, and lumen connector 116′ previouslydiscussed. In some embodiments, the oxygen delivery components 110′ maybe secured to the surface 132′ in such a manner to maintain the centerof mass of the system near the geometric center thereby allowing theportable oxygen system 100′ to be worn without substantially disruptinga user's balance.

In order to further distribute the weight of the oxygen delivery system100′ in an ergonomically desirable manner, the interior volume of theside portions 124′, 126′ may be equal to or greater than the interiorvolume of the central portion 122′. When the chamber 120′ is filled withoxygen under pressure, the mass of the stored oxygen adds to the weightof the portable oxygen delivery system 100′. The chamber 120′ shown inFIGS. 11-18 distributes the oxygen between the central portion 122′ andthe side portions 124′, 126′ so that the weight of the stored oxygen isdistributed around a greater portion of the user's waist. The interiorvolume of the side portions 124′, 126′ may be increased relative to thecentral portion so that the weight of the oxygen is offset from theweight of the oxygen delivery components 110′ positioned above thecenter portion 122′. In this manner, the volume of the chamber 120′ ofthe portable oxygen delivery system may be increased to supply at least750 liters gaseous equivalent capacity, while maintaining the wearableconfiguration that does not substantially inhibit a user's movement.

The chamber 120′ may be further configured to distribute the weight ofthe oxygen about a user's waist. Referring to FIGS. 11, 12, 14, and 18,multiple views of the chamber 120′ are illustrated. As shown, thechamber 120′ has a user facing side 140′ and an outward facing side142′. For clarity, the user facing side 140′ is the side of the chamberthat faces the user's torso when the user wears the portable oxygensystem illustrated in FIGS. 11-18. The outward facing side 142′ isopposite the user facing side and generally faces away from the user'storso.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11, 12, 14, and 18, in someembodiments, the user facing side 140′ is substantially planar. In someembodiments in which the user facing side 140′ is substantially planar,in order to maintain the desired weight distribution, the outward facingside 142′ of the chamber 120′ may be substantially planar. Accordingly,in some embodiments, the chamber 120′ may therefore be described ashaving a lateral cross-section that is generally rectangular as shown inFIG. 17 where the lateral cross-section is a cross-section takenparallel to a user's waist.

The contrast between the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10, and theembodiment shown in FIGS. 11-18 shows that, the present subject mattercovers multiple embodiments. Embodiments covered include, withoutlimitation, those in which the lateral cross section of the chamber 120,120′ may be rectangular, kidney-shaped, or curved in some other waychosen with good engineering judgment. Embodiments covered include,without limitation, those in which the side portions 124, 126, 124′,126′ may extend upwards from the central portion 122, 122′ by a largedistance, by a small distance, or by some distance with good engineeringjudgment. Embodiments covered include, without limitation, those inwhich the side portions 124, 126, 124′, 126′ terminate in a radius, anangle, or by some other form chosen with good engineering judgment.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a refill adapter for use with a portableoxygen delivery system is illustrated. Users of portable oxygen oftenmaintain a stationary base system in their home that is used as a sourceof supplemental oxygen when the user in their home and/or to refill theuser's portable oxygen delivery system. Currently, most portable oxygendelivery systems are specifically designed to mate with a correspondingbase system. As a practical matter, once a user has selected a basesystem from a given manufacturer, the user is forced to select aportable oxygen delivery system from the same manufacturer so that theportable system may be refilled from the base system. Presentlydisclosed is a refill adapter 200 having a first interface 202configured to engage the presently disclosed portable oxygen deliverysystem, and a second interface 204 configured to engage a base system.The first interface 202 includes a first connector that mates with anoxygen input port of the chamber 120. The oxygen input port may bepositioned on the bottom 136 of the chamber 120, and the first interfacemay conform to the bottom of the chamber to facilitate mating of thefirst connector with the oxygen input port. The second interface 204 maybe configured to mate with an oxygen output port of one or more basesystems and the shape of the second interface may accommodate matingwith one or more base systems. The first connector and second connectorof the refill adapter are connected in fluid communication so thatoxygen may be passed from the base system, through the refill adapter,and into the chamber 120 to fill the chamber with oxygen. Inembodiments, the refill adapter may further include one or moreinterlocks to prevent the flow of oxygen from the base system unless thechamber 120 is securely mated to the first connector. In this manner,inadvertent leakage of oxygen may be avoided during the refill process.A refill adapter constructed in this manner enables the presentlydisclosed portable oxygen system to be used with a variety of existingbase systems, and frees a user to select a portable oxygen deliverysystem from a manufacturer other than the manufacturer of theirstationary base system.

In some embodiments, the portable oxygen delivery system includes anelectronically controlled flow control valve. The portable oxygendelivery system may include a remote control 300 configured tocommunicate wirelessly with the electronically controlled flow controlvalve. The portable oxygen system is configured to be ergonomically wornby a user. It is contemplated that the system will often be worn in apack worn around the user's waist with the chamber and oxygen deliverysystem positioned in the back, as in a fanny pack. In thisconfiguration, it may be inconvenient or difficult for some users toreach the system to adjust the oxygen flow. The remote controleliminates this inconvenience by enabling the user to adjust the oxygenflow using a handheld device. In one embodiment, the remote unit may bea custom controller designed to operate with the portable oxygen system.In another embodiment, the remote control may be a smart phone, tabletcomputer, or other portable computing device programmed to communicatewith the portable oxygen delivery system. In this manner, user maycontrol the portable oxygen delivery system with little greater effortthat required to use a smart phone, further reducing the impact of theneed for portable oxygen on the user's daily activities.

While certain embodiments have been described, it must be understoodthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substitutedwithout departing from the spirit or scope. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the disclosure without departing from its spirit orscope.

What is claimed:
 1. A container for storing oxygen under pressurecomprising: a chamber adapted to be worn around a user's waist andadapted for supplying oxygen to the user: the chamber defining a volumesized to contain at least 0.50 liquid liter of oxygen under pressure;wherein the chamber is defined by a central portion extending betweenopposite side portions; wherein each of the opposite side portions has aheight greater than a maximum height of the central portion that furtherdefines a void between the side portions and above the central portion;and wherein the chamber is further defined by an exterior surface of thechamber adjacent the user, and either a) the side portions areconfigured to wrap at least partially around the user's waist such thatthe exterior surface of the chamber adjacent the user is substantiallyconcave, or b) the exterior surface of the chamber adjacent the user issubstantially planar.
 2. The container for storing oxygen under pressureof claim 1, wherein the volume is sized to contain at least 0.75 liquidliter of oxygen under pressure.
 3. The container for storing oxygenunder pressure of claim 1, wherein the void is sized to receive anoxygen delivery system.
 4. The container for storing oxygen underpressure of claim 1, wherein the volume is sized to contain at least 750liters gaseous equivalent capacity.
 5. The container for storing oxygenunder pressure of claim 1, wherein the chamber has a rigid exterior. 6.The container for storing oxygen under pressure of claim 1, wherein eachof the opposite side portions has an interior side portion volume, andthe central portion has an interior central portion volume, and theinterior side portion volume is equal to or greater than the interiorcentral portion volume.
 7. The container for storing oxygen underpressure of claim 1, wherein the volume of the chamber is continuouswithout dividers or partitions within the volume.
 8. The container forstoring oxygen under pressure of claim 1, wherein the chamber has alateral cross-section that is generally kidney shaped to conform to auser's torso.
 9. The container for storing oxygen under pressure ofclaim 1, wherein the chamber has a lateral cross-section that isgenerally rectangular.
 10. A portable oxygen delivery system comprising:a chamber adapted to be worn around a user's waist, the chamber defininga volume sized to contain at least 0.50 liquid liter of oxygen underpressure, wherein the chamber is defined by a central portion extendingbetween opposite side portions wherein each of the opposite sideportions has a height greater than a maximum height of the centralportion that further defines a void between the side portions and abovethe central portion, an oxygen delivery system disposed in the voidbetween the opposite side portions of the chamber, the oxygen deliverysystem including: an oxygen supply line coil connected to an output portof the chamber, a flow control valve configured to regulate the flow ofgaseous oxygen to the user, and a lumen connector configured to receivea lumen for delivering the flow of gaseous oxygen to the user; andwherein the chamber is further defined by an exterior surface of thechamber adjacent the user, and either a) the side portions areconfigured to wrap at least partially around the user's waist such thatthe exterior surface of the chamber adjacent the user is substantiallyconcave, or b) the exterior surface of the chamber adjacent the user issubstantially planar.
 11. The portable oxygen delivery system of claim10, wherein the volume is sized to contain at least 0.75 liquid liter ofoxygen under pressure.
 12. The portable oxygen delivery system of claim10, wherein the system is configured to provide a constant flow demandof at least 2 gaseous liters per minute for a duration of at least 5hours.
 13. The portable oxygen delivery system of claim 10, wherein thevolume is sized to contain at least 750 liters gaseous equivalentcapacity.
 14. The portable oxygen delivery system of claim 10 furthercomprising: a carrying case containing the chamber and oxygen deliverysystem, the carrying case configured to be secured around a user'swaist.
 15. The portable oxygen delivery system of claim 10, wherein theflow control valve is an electronically controlled flow control valve,and wherein the portable oxygen system further comprises a remotecontrol configured to communicate wirelessly with the electronicallycontrolled flow control valve to adjust the flow of gaseous oxygen tothe user.
 16. A portable oxygen delivery system comprising: means forergonomically storing at least 750 liters gaseous equivalent capacity ofoxygen under pressure in a configuration that is wearable by a userabout the user's waist without substantially inhibiting the user'smovement, and an oxygen delivery system for delivering gaseous oxygen tothe user.